Born and raised in Manhattan, he graduated from Seward Park High School. He also lived in Brooklyn, Port Richmond Center and Elm Park before settling in Eltingville in 1996.

Mr. Furnari worked in Brooklyn as a telephone repairman for Verizon for 32 years, retiring in 2002. In his leisure time, he enjoyed playing pool, working on cars, boxing, and caring for his dog, Snickers.

"He always had a smile on his face and enjoyed life to the fullest," said his son, Joseph. "He was the life of the party and a very good story-teller."

"He cherished time spent with family and friends but most of all, he cherished his five grandchildren," added his daughter, Pauline Papapietro.

In addition to his son, Joseph, and daughter, Pauline, surviving are another son, Jack; another daughter, Christine Shamah; a brother, Jack; a sister, Lisa Tuminaro; five grandchildren, and his companion of eight years, Katie Karish.

The funeral will be tomorrow at 8 p.m. in the John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Eltingville. Arrangements include cremation.